A review by youcancallmefi
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

 

ᴀ ᴅᴀʀᴋ ᴀɴᴅ ᴅʀᴏᴡɴɪɴɢ ᴛɪᴅᴇ ʙʏ ᴀʟʟɪsᴏɴ sᴀғᴛ 

Sharp-tongued and head strong Lorelei, a folklorist, sets out on an expedition to seek out a magical body of water for the King. In this expedition, frustratingly, she has the company of six nobles, with one of them being her rival, the vibrant and enchanting Sylvia Von Wolff. Lorelei has much to gain, and even more to loose in this expedition – her future and big dreams are so close for her to grasp. However, things get a dark turn when their mentor and expedition leader is murdered, leaving Lorelei balancing in a tight rope, trying to uncover the murder, shield her heart unsuccessfully  and succeed in a dangerous mission on behalf of the realm. 

On a stretched political canvas, away from home, deep into sentient forests and meeting dangerous creatures, Lorelei will have, somehow, find who to trust - if she wishes to succeed. 

I was so drawn to this book by it’s beautiful (US) cover, like a siren deadly kiss. After reading A Far Wilder Magic by the same author, and ADORING IT, I immediately jumped into this beautiful tale and I am so glad I did. 

Let me start by saying this was the perfect balance of folklore, romance and murder-mystery and god, Allison Saft prose is the sweetest melody I have ever had the pleasure to encounter! 

This is the most atmospherically, darkly beautiful and eerie folkloric story I have had the pleasure to read and I am so happy I read this in October, on a few rainy days, which added to my reading experience. 

Despite the gentle subtleness, Allison Saft introduces heavy themes such as antisemitism, hatred and prejudice, showing us that fairytales mask much more than we think. The author explores loneliness and belonging like no other, through Lorelei’s eyes. She has experienced it all and this is a thread that follows the whole plot. 

From main to secondary characters, they are a fantastically written complex bunch, with dark motivations and intriguing desires, (some) massive egos and very distinct voices, which I appreciated. 

And the romance? A toe-curling yearning slow burn, that coats thickly and clings to your heart like a delicious spread. The tension, the longing, was truly mesmerising. Folks, sapphic is the way to my heart! 

I have to say I don’t agree with the “dark academia” shelving for this book, but unsure as well how I would classify it. 

Overall, it was such an immersive experience, a dark marvellous voyage into human nature, the importance of admiring the natural world, with the backdrop of quirky little towns, magical beings, clever twists and layered characters, laced with the most enticing and elegant prose you will find. 

If you love Nettle&Bone and Spells for Forgetting, I am absolutely sure you will adore this one. 

Have you read this one or planning to? 

Love, 

Fi x